Helmet having audio features

ABSTRACT

A safety helmet for bikers, skateboarders, rollerbladers and the like is adapted to include a standalone player such as a compact disc player and/or digital audio player mounted in or on its head-protective shell. Controls for the player are within or directly on the helmet, and earphones are suitably located at a user&#39;s ears. Music files or other information may be charged or loaded from a computer, for example in MP3 format, directly into the helmet for subsequent playback. An ambient sound sensor on a rear portion of the helmet senses traffic sounds for the user&#39;s safety. Entertainment offered by the helmet will encourage people, particularly children, to wear the helmet, thus encouraging safety and saving lives.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/214,539, filed on Aug. 9, 2002, the priority of which is hereby claimed under 35 USC 120.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] Not applicable

REFERENCE TO “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

[0004] Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to the general art of wearing apparel, and to the particular field of protective wearing apparel and more specifically, to the field of headgear.

[0006] More and more people, young and old, are using bicycles, scooters, skateboards, skates, motorcycles, ATVs, rollerblades, and the like. More and more people are also riding horses and even jogging. The popularity of these modes of transportation is nearly unprecedented. However, as is well documented, the risk of injury associated with these modes of transportation is very high.

[0007] More specifically, the risk of head injuries from these activities is especially alarming. For example, literally hundreds of children die each year from biking accidents, nearly a third of those under 15 years of age. Many more suffer severe and often permanent brain damage or other disabilities. Studies indicate that 75% of deaths are from head injury, particularly since helmet use in many communities is only 5-10%. Experts say that helmets reduce the risk of death or serious injury by up to 85%.

[0008] Therefore, nearly every safety rule requires some form of head protection. Many riders or runners are reluctant to wear helmets for various reasons. None of the reasons is entirely valid, but people too often avoid wearing safety helmets nonetheless.

[0009] Helmets are manufactured in a wide variety of types and forms, and in general may be said to be designed as application-specific. For example, a Harley Davidson® cycle rider will expect a helmet considerably different from that desired by a rollerblader, just as a horse-riding enthusiast's safety headgear will differ considerably from helmets found on a motorcycle policeman. All such helmet types hold certain aspects or features in common.

[0010] For example, all helmets include a shell shaped to protectively fit at least part of the wearer's head. All helmets exhibit an impact resistant outer shell surface backed by an inner liner for comfortable placement on the user's head, and almost always have an attachment element such as a chin strap that binds or secures them in place during use. They also must have space to accommodate the ears of the wearer. Given the above-described common attributes and characteristics of protective helmets, this invention is intended as directed to them all.

[0011] Over the years, a significant number of helmet designs have included some variation of one or two-way communication devices or media player receivers interconnected through wiring or broadcast signals with devices or sources located externally of the helmet. Signal or sound-source control devices may be nearby, such as a unit worn on the user's belt or arm; alternatively, source devices may be found attached to cycle handlebars or frame, or to a saddle or seat, depending on the transportation mode. Other sources may be of the wireless transmission type, either nearby or very remote, such as FM transmitters, or certain kinds of broadcast or directed telecommunication systems.

[0012] Such communication and entertainment hardware has found its way into helmets of many types, ranging from those of more massive or durable constructs typical of the helmet gear of motorcycle police and skydivers, to the more casual yet sturdy helmets worm by civilian or hobby-bikers (such as Rolling Thunder enthusiasts). Communication and entertainment devices also may be found in the smaller head-protection devices worn by bicyclists, or among the safety gear of rollerbladers, and even swimmers.

[0013] Despite efforts to perfect all such helmets to make them more desirable or at least tolerable to those who decline or avoid their use, these various units still fall short by only modestly influencing users, particularly young people, toward more frequent wear of safety helmets. Product developers in the widespread field of helmet design, at this point, have missed the mark. They are, in fact, essentially out of step. The bottom line is that helmet use still is not widespread, as is apparent from the above-quoted injury statistics. A multitude of jarring news reports bear this out. Accidents—preventable accidents—especially those of the most serious type where life-threatening head injuries are encountered, continue to occur all too infrequently.

[0014] Therefore, in the interest of safety, there is a growing need for helmets that provide both safety and a strong, secondary motivation for wearing them. Specifically, there now is an opportunity to take advantage of new information and music delivery technologies. Over the recent past, popular lightweight player systems have emerged that are light in weight and without moving parts. They, dependably deliver music and information under all types of conditions making them ideal for use in situations where the user is mobile or even engaging in risky activities, whether such activities are recreational or vocational. With proper design and placement, these players may be mounted on or in helmets, and even made integral with the helmet structure. The result of such application would be that users would be entertained while engaging in the activity of risk. Not only can the music be entertaining, but other information delivered to a helmet can be beneficial as well. For example, a trail biker may wish to learn from a tutorial on foreign languages or a college course lecture.

[0015] Most existing protective helmets are quite restrictive in the uses that can be made of the helmet. This limits the ability of a wearer to adjust or modify the helmet to accommodate the wearer's needs or desires. If a wearer can adjust or adapt a helmet to satisfy personal needs, particularly in a way that keeps abreast of that person's current mode of media access, that person is more likely to wear the helmet. Therefore, there is a need for a helmet that, while affording protection from injury, also permits a wearer to control the environment associated with the helmet while the helmet is being worm. Further, the environmental control should be one that comports with the user's normal or preferred mode of media entertainment and communication access, as opposed to pressing him or her into an outmoded or unfamiliar system.

[0016] A main object of the present invention is to provide a helmet that positively encourages a person to wear the helmet to such an extent that the wearer may well look forward to the media information and entertainment access as much as, or more than, the physical recreational activity itself. Further, with proper placement and design, a helmet equipped with an entertainment capability will be balanced and without added hazards of loose wires.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a helmet that provides entertainment and/or educational opportunities to a wearer while the helmet is worm, and to do so in a way that is consistent with his or her normal or contemporary listening opportunities apart from the riding or jogging environment. In other words, for example, the entertainment media should be basically the same as that enjoyed in the user's own room, or at the mall with friends.

[0018] It is a specific object of the present invention to provide a helmet that provides music or other communication capabilities to the wearer while the helmet is being worn. The helmet user or wearer will benefit from being entertained or otherwise mentally stimulated while receiving the protection typically afforded by the helmet.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a helmet that provides entertainment or educational opportunities to a wearer while the helmet is worn and which permits the wearer to control the playing of the entertainment. The delivery system may be one of several optional forms, or even provide an opportunity for multiple delivery systems within a single helmet unit.

[0020] A still further objective is to provide the convenience of a helmet unit that is essentially self-contained, that is, one that incorporates at least one media player unit wholly within the confines of the helmet, subject only to charging (or inputting) of media informational data and re-charging of a player power source (such as a battery or power pack).

[0021] Still another object is to provide a stand-alone or self-contained helmet-player combination, with at least one internal media player entertainment delivery system. In this instance, the helmet-player may be directly charged with informational data by effecting an interconnection with a personal computer or the like. The helmet-player becomes, essentially, a media player in and of itself. A helmet so modified would require no external modules or attachments to media sources, nor any dependence on externally broadcast or projection resources. This is what is meant by stand-alone or self-contained helmet-player combination.

[0022] Of course, this invention has primary objects that relate directly to safety and the saving of lives by motivating individuals to wear safety helmets. Further, the present invention goes further in providing safety by including an ambient sound receiver that will enable the wearer to hear approaching vehicles or warning sounds such as horns, even when music or information media are playing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The above objects and still other objectives are achieved by a helmet as presented herein, which may take a number of forms or designs, all within the scope and spirit of the present inventive apparatus. The helmet in one embodiment includes a liner unit having earphones embedded therein and a strap connected to the liner unit for the purpose of securing the helmet to the users head. It further includes an outer shell unit that covers the liner unit when worn by a wearer. A compact disc player, optionally capable of playing CD's formatted in a variety of ways well known in the art, such as standard CD format, MP3 format and so on, as further discussed below, is mounted directly on or in the outer shell unit. The player has a proximate, remote control unit electrically connected to the compact disc player.

[0024] In lieu of, or in addition to, the compact disc player, this invention presents the alternative inclusion of a digital audio player, sometimes known as a digital chip audio player, mounted on or within the helmet outer shell. In this context, a digital audio player is defined as including any of a growing number of digital audio players designed to accept and “play” digitally compressed audio files. Such files are generally “formatted,” compressed for storage comporting with specific standards or versions, and subsequently decompressed for play.

[0025] Examples of such compressed file storage media were developed by a working group known as the Moving Picture Experts Group, or MPEG, and were identified as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4. The MPEG-1, layer 3 format became popularly known as MPEG-3 or MP3, though, technically speaking the MPEG-3 standard never really existed. This is, however, acceptable terminology, with well established meaning in the art.

[0026] Other formatted files followed. Along with the MP3, other popular formats and players emerged, such as iPod, MP4, AT&T, a2b, Liquid Audio, Real Audio, SDMI audio players, and the like, as defined for example in the discussion of chip based digital players presented in Buchheim's U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,306. Such digital audio players are highly popular particularly among younger consumers.

[0027] A digital audio player of the type utilized in the present inventive apparatus is typically portable in nature. It includes an audio chip and a memory which serves to record, store, and subsequently play the compressed digital audio information. It also is well known that an audio chip is designed to compress and decompress digital audio data in order to save memory space. Digital audio players, according to Buchheim, became feasible with the co-evolution of miniaturized high capacity digital memory devices and digital information compression technologies. For purposes of this invention, audio player need not necessarily be in the form of the well-known portable unit device, but instead may exist as digital audio player components formed within the helmet structure as to be described below.

[0028] While digital audio players are usually format-specific, there are players that accept multiple formats. (At the time of filing the parent application of which this is a Continuation-in-Part, the corporation RealNetworks, Inc. had developed and released the RealOne® player capable of handling more than 50 digital formats, including those most popular of files in broad usage.)

[0029] Where a compact disc player is included in the present helmet invention, control buttons are located on an access door of the compact disc player as well as on an extended, directly connected remote control unit for controlling operation of the compact disc player. Where a digital audio player is included, control buttons are placed conveniently on an outer surface or shell of the helmet. Again, an extended, directly connected remote unit can be utilized to afford convenient remote control where desired.

[0030] Depending on the nature or basic design of the helmet, as required for the specific recreational or transportation activity, output speakers may be attached to or near the helmet lining at a point where they engage the ears (as is known in the art as evidenced by Lazzoroni et al. U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,525), or may be positioned along a helmet side rim above, yet adjacent, the ears (as is known and evidenced by McCormick et. al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,421, and Von Statten, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,105.)

[0031] In every embodiment, as an additional yet related safety feature, an ambient sound sensor unit or receiver, generally in the form of a small microphone, may be embedded into, or connected to the protective shell of the helmet The sensor unit is directly wired to a player controller system, and operatively interconnected in a standard manner conventionally known, such that ambient or environmental sounds can be heard along with the player sound output. This microphone or sensor unit may be equipped with any well-known on/off switch, and is may be positioned at a rear surface of the helmet so as to avoid rushing wind noise and so that it will be discretely out of the way. With this unit, the helmet wearer will remain continuously aware of approaching vehicle sounds, auto horn warnings, warning shouts and the like, even when listening to the sounds of music or other information programs.

[0032] The liner unit, which may be no more than a headband, is generally formed of soft material for comfortable placement on the user's head, and the outer shell is formed of impact-absorbing hard plastic or other synthetic or suitable natural material commonly used in safety helmets such as motorcycle helmets, as well as those differently shaped helmets worn by bicyclers and skaters, skateboarders and the like. A chin strap unit, provided in any of a number of typical designs, includes a size adjusting mechanism as is well known in the art. A known liner unit is illustrated by Von Statten, Jr. and a typical chin strap is taught by McCormick et al. both of which are referenced above.

[0033] The helmet of the present invention not only protects the wearer, it encourages people to wear the helmet. The entertainment or other informational data provided by the compact disc player and/or the digital audio player located in the helmet will motivate and encourage the individual to wear the helmet thereby providing the benefits of wearing protective head gear.

[0034] Many people, most especially children, enjoy listening to music while partaking in recreational activities such as biking, rollerblading, skating and the like. Also, a great number of people enjoy listening to books on tape, compact disc, digital audio storage devices and the like when horseback riding and exercising. To accommodate this desire, at the present time, these people generally must carry a playback unit on their person in a pouch, or on a belt, around an arm, or simply in their hand. Alternatively, they find it necessary to attach the device, or at least parts thereof, to their vehicle, saddle, handlebars and so on. This is inconvenient and may be cumbersome, even dangerous, particularly if it interferes with vehicle control or balance. Also, a helmet attached through a wire to the vehicle, horse or other transport mode unfortunately posses the threat of serous injury during unintentional or accidental dismount.

[0035] Remotely “hardwired” connections fixedly attached, for example to the user's belt or arm, or to bike handlebars or frame, can pose certain hazards since a loosely extended wire could easily be snagged or otherwise become entangle with external elements resulting in a sudden yank or pull on the user's helmet. Application of wireless technology communication is contemplated, but would add to the complexity and expense of the helmet unit, and does not offer consistent sound of reasonable quality. The helmet embodying the present invention permits a battery powered audio playback unit of any type to be positioned at a balanced location on the helmet. For example, the player or players are substantially centered at the outer surface of said helmet shell. In such “substantially centered” position, the unit not only affords balance, but also is positioned out of harm's way with respect to external interference or dangerous snags.

[0036] Where a separate (solitary) digital audio player unit is to be employed, this safety helmet invention accommodates it in alternative ways. The player may be inserted as a separate unit into a recess provided in or on the helmet shell. Alternatively, the digital audio player may be formed as a combination safety helmet and digital audio player. The combination is fabricated such that the appropriate digital components are substantially permanently, integrally formed into the helmet shell structure, itself. The helmet with its integral audio player components is further adapted to include data transfer ports (for example, female connector sockets or the like) to facilitate downloading new data files (music, information and the like) through a convenient interconnection, for example via a high speed data exchange medium such as USB (Universal Service Bus) connector, engaged directly with a personal computer (PC) or Macintosh (MAC) data source. Thus, the safety helmet itself is a wearable digital audio player unit.

[0037] Music may, of course, be downloaded or charged directly into the helmet audio player component from other ancillary sources such as a computer-driven CD, laptops, or from other compatible electronic modules. The various player units in or on the helmet may be powered by batteries or battery packs. Further, as is well known, these batteries or battery packs may be rechargeable. For example, the helmet audio player component may have an additional transfer port (e.g., a female connector socket) adapted to receive power from a conventional power outlet and recharging adapter unit. The helmet, in all the described embodiments, is a wholly independent, self-contained, free-standing, personal entertainment helmet. The advantage is that the user may selectively store playing media inside said media player, then secure said helmet and the standalone media player in place on the user's head, and listen to the stored media sound while proceeding with recreational or vocational activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038]FIGS. 1 and 1-A are perspective views of a helmet embodying the present invention, and illustrating for convenience, a compact disc player along with an optionally co-located digital audio player detailed in FIG. 1-A.

[0039]FIG. 2 is a detail view of a portion of the helmet shown in FIG. 1, namely a helmet liner unit portion with speaker unit.

[0040]FIG. 3 is a side elevation, partially cross-sectional view of a helmet embodying the present invention in place on a wearer, where placement on the wearer's head is by way of example only to show context of helmet unit and liner parts with respect to a wearer's head.

[0041]FIG. 4 is a schematic, rear elevation view of a helmet shown in cutaway view and embodying the present invention in place on a wearer. Again the position or placement of the helmet cross-section is by way of example to show context of player units with a wearer's head.

[0042]FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but showing an embodiment wherein a lid or door is provided to accommodate a player unit or components thereof, to be optionally controlled by an attached, remote control unit; further shown is an ambient sound sensor unit.

[0043]FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a helmet similar to that shown in FIG. 5, but having a shape commonly used by bikers, rollerblade enthusiasts, and the like, and including a side mounted control panel interconnected to an integral internal control unit which controls an integral internal media player. Further shown is an ambient sound sensor unit similar to that shown in FIG. 5.

[0044]FIG. 7 is a view of the helmet shown in FIG. 6, wherein a PC (or MAC) device and power source are shown in relation to data transfer ports and power charging transfer ports, respectively, on a surface of the helmet along with appropriate interconnection cables for effecting transfer of music, information and the like to an internal media player.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Referring to the figures, it can be understood that the present invention is embodied in a helmet 10 in the form of a helmet shell worn to protect a user's head during activities such as bicycling, skating, skateboarding, rollerblading, snow-boarding, scooter riding, horseback riding, jogging and the like. Said helmet has a helmet outer surface, a helmet front portion, two helmet side portions and a helmet rear portion, as will be discussed in more detail herebelow. Helmet 10 may include a liner unit 12 within said shell adapted to engage the head of the user, The liner unit 12 further includes a head-covering section 14, partially shown as a Detail A in FIG. 2, having a front liner portion 16, a rear liner portion 18 and side liner portions, such as side portion 20, connecting the front portion 16 to the rear portion 18.

[0047] As indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4, with continued reference to liner 12, the front liner portion 16 of the head-covering section 14 is located adjacent to the face of a wearer when the wearer is wearing liner unit 12, the rear portion 18 of the head-covering section 14 is located adjacent to the back of the wearer's head when the wearer is wearing the liner unit 12 and the side liner portions 20 of the head-covering section 14 are located adjacent to the sides of the wearers head when the wearer is wearing the head-covering section 14. The liner unit 12 can fit as snugly on the wearer as desired and can absorb sound as well as dampness and the like as is the case with helmet liners.

[0048] Liner unit 14 further includes a liner rim 22 which includes a liner rim face portion 24 located adjacent to the face of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the liner unit 12. Further, a liner rim rear portion 28 is located adjacent to the back of the wearer's head when the wearer is wearing the liner unit 12. A first ear E1 covering portion 30 covers one ear of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the liner unit 12, and a second ear covering portion 32 covers a second ear E2 of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the liner unit 12.

[0049] The ear covering portions 30, 32 help to seal out noise. A first earphone 34 may be embedded or attached in the liner unit 12 in the first ear covering portion 30 of the liner unit 12 and a second earphone 36 is embedded or attached in the liner unit 12 in the second ear covering portion 32 of the liner unit 12. A first electrical wire 40 is electrically connected to the first earphone 34, and a second electrical wire 42 is electrically connected to the second earphone 36. The purpose of these electrical wires 40, 42 will be understood from the teaching of this disclosure. Liner unit 12 further includes an inside surface 44 which is located adjacent to the head of the wearer when the liner unit 12 is worn by the wearer and an outside surface 46. Of course, a more simple liner may be utilized in such helmets, and might include only a minimum internal lining for helmet 10 along with an internal headband, not shown, as is well known in protective headgear devices of all types.

[0050] Helmet 10 further includes a strap unit 50 for attaching or securing the helmet 10 to the wearer. Strap unit 50 includes a first end 52 fixed to a first internal surface of the helmet 10, or to the liner rim face portion 24 adjacent to one side portion of the liner unit 12, a second end 54 fixed to a second internal surface of helmet 10 opposite said first internal surface, or alternatively to the liner rim face portion 24 adjacent to a second side portion of the liner unit 12. A suitable size adjusting mechanism 56 is provided on the strap unit 50. The size adjusting mechanism 56 shown in FIG. 1 includes a loop 58 as well as hook-and-loop fastening elements 60.

[0051] Helmet 10 further includes an outer protective shell unit 70 which includes an outer shell head-covering section 72 having a helmet front portion 74, a helmet rear portion 76 and two helmet side portions 78 and 80 connecting the front portion 74 of the outer shell head-covering section 72 to the rear portion 76 of the outer shell head-covering section 72. The front portion 74 of the outer shell head-covering section 72 is located adjacent to the face of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the outer shell unit 70, the rear portion 76 of the outer shell head-covering unit 72 is located adjacent to the back of the wearer's head when the wearer is wearing the outer shell unit 70 and the side portions 78, 80 of the outer shell head-covering section 72 being located adjacent to the sides of the wearers head when the wearer is wearing the outer shell head-covering section 72.

[0052] The outer shell unit 70 further includes an outer shell rim 82, which includes an outer shell rim face portion 84 which is located adjacent to the wearer's face when the outer shell unit 70 is worn by the wearer, an outer shell rim rear portion 86 which is located adjacent to the back of the wearer's head when the outer shell unit 70 is worn by the wearer. The outer shell unit 70 can also include decorations, such as decoration D or the like, on the outside surface thereof. Decoration D can be a decal or the like.

[0053] Outer shell unit 70 also includes a first outer shell ear portion 90 located adjacent to a first ear of the wearer when the outer shell unit 70 is worn and a second outer shell ear portion 92 located adjacent to second ear E2 of the wearer when the outer shell unit 70 is worn. An inside surface 94 of the outer shell unit 70 is located adjacent to the wearer's head or adjacent to the outside surface of the liner unit 12 when the outer shell unit 70 is worn. Outer shell unit 70 further includes an outer surface 96.

[0054] As best viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, helmet 10 includes a compact disc player 100 and/or a digital audio player 101, both or each located at the outer surface 96 of the outer shell unit 70, suitably attached to or imbedded therein. It is envisioned within the scope of the present invention that the disc player and digital audio player may be included on helmet 10 either individually or as a pair, according to user preference. Compact disc player 100, when included, may be positioned toward the rear portion of the head covering section 72 of the outer shell unit 70 and further may include a housing 102 having one portion 104 thereof positioned near the rear rim portion of the outer shell unit 70.

[0055] Compact disc player 100, as viewed in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, further may include an access cover 106 pivotally or otherwise moveably mounted on the housing 102 of the compact disc player 100 to open and close the compact disc player 100. A transparent window 108 may be located in the access cover 106. A plurality of control buttons are located on the access cover 106 and may, for example, include a “stop” button 110, a “play” button 112, and a “pause” button 114. Of course other arrangements of control buttons may be utilized and would remain within the scope and spirit of the present invention as claimed.

[0056] Further, still other additional control buttons, such as “search”, “seek”, and the like can be included without departing from the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the compact disc player 100 can be a mini-disc player, a micro-disc player, and designed to play various well known formats, including MP3 and the like.

[0057] The digital audio player 101, again, may be included in the safety helmet as a solitary media player, or optionally may appear in tandem (as shown particularly in FIGS. 3 and 4) with compact disc player 100. The digital audio player 101 may include a pivotally mounted, or otherwise moveable, access cover 111 under which may be inserted a data unit or cartridge 112 charged with a formatted music file or other information data file. Such cartridge 112 charging mode is typical of only certain models of digital audio players. Alternatively, the digital audio player 101 may be of the type directly charged with information as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0058] As viewed in FIG. 4, a set of directly, manually operated buttons may be provided for player 101, offering finger-touch control. Alternatively, this digital audio player 101 as well as the compact disc player 100 may be controlled by directly attached remote control unit 130 proximate to the helmet 10.

[0059] Instead of attaching digital audio player 101 to the helmet 10 surface, as described in FIGS. 3 and 4, it also is within the scope of the present invention where, as visually demonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 1-A, the helmet 10 may be adapted to include a recess 153 to accommodate a digital audio player 151 inserted therein. Player 151, when inserted, is protected by a closed panel or door 151. As indicated in FIG. 1-A, a connector cable 43 may be provided within recess 153 so as to interconnect the player 151 with wires 40 and 42 leading to earphones 34 and 32 as discussed in detail below.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 4, it is seen that the first and second electrical wires 40, 42 of the liner unit 12 may be alternately electrically connected to the compact disc player 100 so audio from the compact disc player 100 is played or transmitted through the earphones 34, 36 in the manner known to those skilled in the art. A battery pack (not shown) may be located within 102 of the compact disc player 100 as is well known in the art. Alternatively, a rechargeable battery unit (not shown) may be included to power either the disc player or the digital audio player, or both. This rechargeable battery feature is discussed further herebelow with respect to another embodiment of the present helmet invention.

[0061] A volume control knob 120 is optionally mounted on the outer surface of the head-covering section 72 of the outer shell unit 70 near the front portion 74 of the head covering section 72 of the outer shell unit 70. The volume control knob 120 is electrically connected to the compact disc player 100 and/or the digital audio player 101 in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0062] A remote control unit 130 as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 5 includes a handle section 132 which has, for example, a “play” button 134, a “stop” button 136, and a “pause” button 138. The control buttons on the remote control unit 130 control the operation of the compact disc player 100 and/or the digital audio player 101 in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. An electrical wire 140 electrically connects the handle section 132 and the control buttons thereon of the remote control unit 130 to the compact disc player 100 and/or the digital audio player 101.

[0063] Handle 130 includes a fastener, such as hook-and-loop fastener 142, which mates with hook-and-loop fastener elements 60 to store the handle 132 proximate the helmet when desired. This fastener location maintains the remote control unit adjacent the helmet rather than at an extended location where it might be a hazardous liability or may interfere with the means of transportation or other aspects of the environment.

[0064] Illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, but applicable to all embodiments of the present invention, is a safety feature comprising an ambient sound sensor unit or receiver 160, generally in the form of a small microphone or other well-known sound sensor. The ambient sound sensor pick-up unit may be embedded into, or connected to the protective shell 70 or 70′ of the helmet 10 or 10′. The sensor unit 160 is directly connected via wire 161 to a player controller unit 149 (which unit may be within, or external of, a player. The sensor and controller are operatively interconnected in a manner conventionally known, such that ambient or environmental sounds can be heard by the wearer, either along with player sound output or in a manner overriding said player sound output. In this way the user will be warned of potential dangers of nearby hazards (for example, by hearing the roar or horn of an automobile approaching from behind, where such roar or horn would otherwise be masked by a player sound output.

[0065] This microphone unit carries a typical on/off switch, for example of the rocker-switch type shown as 162 such that the user may optionally render the sensor pickup unit inoperative. In other words, at times, the user may find it preferable to cancel the sound sensor capability by simply pressing the switch. As an added safety feature, the switch can have “on” as a default mode, and be configured so as to turn on after a set interval. Finally, the sensor unit is advantageously positioned at a rear portion of the helmet so as to avoid on-coming wind noise.

[0066] As noted above, helmet 10 may house an internal digital audio player 150 mounted in a recess 153 within the head covering section 72 of the outer shell unit 70. Player 150 may be adjacent to the compact disc player 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or stand alone as a singular player unit to be further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 5-7. The digital audio player 150 can be connected directly via cable 43 and wires 40, 42 to the earphone 34 and its matching earphone 36 positioned on an opposite side of helmet 10.

[0067] If a companion compact disc player 100 is present, player 150 may be connected to the earphones via (or through) the compact disc player 100. It also is noted that the digital audio player 150 envisioned for the present invention would encompass any of a variety of player types commonly known in the field as MP3, iPod, MP4, AT&T, a2b, Liquid Audio, Real Audio, SDMI audio players, and the like.

[0068] Illustrated in FIG. 6, is a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention wherein a finger-touch manual control unit 130′ is mounted on a side portion of helmet 10′, integral with, or directly connected to, head covering section 72. Manual control unit 130′ connects with player controller 149 (again, either within digital audio player 150′ or externally connected thereto, which in turn acts to direct or control the player 150′.

[0069] The manual control unit 130′ is outfitted with functional buttons operatively corresponding to those of unit 130 described above. Player 150′ is electrically connected via wire 42 to earphone 36, and via wire 40 (not shown in FIG. 6 or 7) to its matching earphone 34. Earphones 34 and 36 operate in the same manner as discussed hereabove, but in this case are positioned within said helmet immediately above the ears of the wearer, rather than directly against the ears. This arrangement is well known in some applications, biking helmets for example, and permits the wearer to be aware of ambient sounds. However, this embodiment also is provided with the ambient sound sensor 160 as described above.

[0070] On a side of helmet 10′ opposite the control panel, as viewed in FIG. 7, are two electronic connectors or plug ports, 153 and 154. Port 153 is provided for the purpose of receiving music and other data information directly from a computer output port 155, via connector cable 156, which may be a USB cable for high speed data exchange. The music and other data are then directed from port 153 through player controller 149 (not visible in FIG. 7) to the internal player components designated as 150′. Upon demand signal from control unit 130′ and player controller 149, player 151′ plays back said data through said speakers. Music files and or other data are typically downloaded to computers 59 from the Internet or transferred from other storage media, such as a computer hard drive or a compact disc, and appropriately formatted for play in the internal player 150′.

[0071] Port 154 is located on helmet 10′ for the purpose of providing current for replenishing a rechargeable battery unit 163 on board the helmet 10′. Such a battery unit, rechargeable or otherwise, would be suitably applied to any of the above-discussed players and helmets. A cable 157 is adapted to connect to standard electrical outlet 158 via adapter 158A.

[0072] In this latter embodiment, components such as the finger-touch manual control unit panel 130′, the controller unit 151′, the internal digital audio player 150′, the battery unit 163, and the plug ports 153 and 154, are intended to be physically balanced so as to avoid adverse impact to the comfort, balance and safety of the helmet wearer. Digital audio player 150′ receives and stores compressed file data from a connector cable (e.g., USB connector) 156 interconnecting PC 159 to data port 153

[0073] Thus provided, from various arrangements and alternatives discussed above, is a safety helmet that both protects and attracts. In other words, this invention provides an up-to-date entertainment and informational delivery system wholly within the helmet itself. A user (or wearer) may choose to utilize the advantages of the CD player built into the back of the helmet, controlling its power on/off, track changes, volume and so forth through manipulation of buttons provided on each player, or via a proximate helmet-mounted remote controller. Alternatively, the popular digital audio player may be similarly utilized and controlled in much the same manner.

[0074] As presented in FIGS. 6 and 7, a helmet wearer may utilize a digital audio player that, rather than having separate components, is substantially integral with the helmet itself. Fabricated as a single, comprehensive unit, the helmet would include a integrated player components and wiring, along with an easily reached, finger-tip control unit managing a controller that in turn operates the digital audio player. In this case, the safety helmet itself is an integrated, wearable digital audio player unit combination. The digital audio player components receive and store compressed music and information file data directly from a data file source, for example a PC. The data is directed to the controller which in turn operates the player to decompress and playback the music or information on demand signal.

[0075] The present invention as just described further affords the user the advantage and convenience of downloading music or other digitally formatted data, e.g., from the Internet or computer-stored data, directly into the integrated helmet-audio player combination. In other words, for example, this improved helmet is capable of direct PC connection whereby files of thousands of songs may be downloaded directly into the helmet shell for countless hours of subsequent replay. More cost effective than current systems and having fewer costly components than helmets designed for linking remote systems for entertaining through helmet earphones, this is considered an especially attractive feature for people who partake in biking, jogging, horseback riding, rollerblading, skateboarding, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and the like. This is particularly true of children who heretofore have avoided consistent use of safety helmets for a variety of reasons, but at the same time are consumed with currently available entertainment technology. It is anticipated that this invention, by effectively incorporating entertainment technology into safety helmets, will have a remarkable life-saving impact throughout the nation.

[0076] Upon careful reviewing the foregoing specification and drawings, it will be evident that this invention is susceptible of many modifications, combinations and alterations in a number of ways which may differ from those set forth. The particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of claims appended hereto and any and all equivalents thereof. 

I claim:
 1. A safety helmet of the type including a rigid outer protective helmet shell for protecting a head of a user during recreational or vocational activities, a liner within said shell adapted to engage the head of a user, and a strap attached to said helmet unit and adapted to secure said helmet to a head of a user, said helmet having a helmet outer surface, a helmet front portion, two helmet side portions and a helmet rear portion, said helmet shell further provided with a speaker mounted therein adjacent at least one of said helmet side portions and adapted to direct sound to at least one ear of a user, the improvement comprising: said helmet shell further including at least one media player structurally associated with said helmet outer surface; said at least one media player directly, physically connected to a manually controlled player controller; said media player adapted to receive playing media for replay and thus to become a self-contained, freestanding player unit; said media player further is adapted to be interconnected to said at least one speaker such that said player controller directs the media player operation to play the playing media causing media sound to be emitted from said at least one speaker; whereby said user may selectively store playing media inside said media player, secure said helmet and the standalone media player in place on the user's head, and listen to the media sound while proceeding with said activities.
 2. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said media player is a digital audio player.
 3. The safety helmet of claim 2, wherein said media player is functionally compatible with a format selected from the group consisting of MP3, iPod, MP4, AT&T, a2b, Liquid Audio, Real Audio, and SDMI audio.
 4. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said helmet shell is fabricated with internal digital audio player components so as to form an integrally constructed helmet-player combination unit, said helmet-player combination unit further including: a data port located along an outer surface of said helmet shell, electrically interconnected to said internal digital audio player components, and adapted to receive downloaded data files through a downloading connection from an external, compressed digital file data source; whereby a user may directly charge the helmet-player unit with downloaded compressed files, and subsequently wear the unit on the head for both protection and listening enjoyment.
 5. The safety helmet of claim 4, wherein said digital audio player components are adapted to comport with one or more standard compressed data file formats
 6. The safety helmet of claim 1 wherein at least one additional media player is structurally associated with said helmet outer surface; wherein said at least one media player is a digital audio player; and wherein said at least one additional media player is a compact disc player; both said digital audio player and said disc player being positionally located at the helmet shell outer surface; said digital audio player and said disc player are positioned so as to be substantially centered at the helmet outer surface; whereby a user may optionally listen to media playback from either said digital audio player or said compact disc player, while the substantially centered position of said digital audio player and said disc player relative to the helmet outer surface enables the user to maintain physical balance during activities.
 7. The safety helmet of claim 1, further including an ambient sound sensor unit; said ambient sound sensor pickup unit is adapted to be attached to the helmet outer surface; said ambient sound sensor is communicatively connected to said media player control unit and to said at least one speaker; said sound sensor operating through said control unit to communicate ambient sound to the speaker along with media sound; whereby said sound sensor pickup detects sounds in the surrounding environment and communicates said sounds to said at least one speaker, so as to warn said user with any sounds that may represent potential dangers or approaching hazards, when such surrounding sounds would otherwise be masked by sounds from said media player.
 8. The safety helmet of claim 7 wherein said ambient sound sensor pickup unit further includes an on-off switch interconnected therewith; whereby the user may optionally render the sensor pickup unit inoperative.
 9. A safety helmet of the type including a rigid outer protective helmet shell for protecting a head of a user during recreational or vocational activities, a liner within said shell adapted to engage the head of a user, and a strap unit attached to said helmet and adapted to secure said helmet to a head of a user, said helmet having a helmet outer surface, a helmet front portion, two helmet side portions and a helmet rear portion, said helmet shell further provided with at least one speaker mounted therein adjacent one or more of said helmet side portions and adapted to direct sound to at least one ear of a user, the improvement comprising: said helmet shell further includes at least one recess in said helmet outer surface; said recess adapted to be closed by a moveable panel; a media player unit is positioned within said recess and secured behind said panel; said media player unit is adapted to be communicatively interconnected with said at least one speaker; a controller adapted to control said media player unit; said media player unit includes digital audio chip player components adapted to receive charges of compressed data files and to decompress said data files for data playback through said speaker; whereby a user may utilize said helmet as a freestanding entertainment unit as well as a safety helmet.
 10. The safety helmet of claim 9 wherein said helmet shell further includes an ambient sound sensor unit; said ambient sound sensor pickup unit is adapted to be attached to the helmet outer surface at the helmet rear portion; said ambient sound sensor is communicatively connected to said digital audio chip player components, controller and at least one speaker; said sound sensor adapted to operate through said controller to communicate ambient sound to said speaker along with said data playback; whereby said sound sensor pickup detects sounds in the surrounding environment and communicates said sounds to said at least one speaker, thus communicating to said user any sounds that may represent potential dangers or approaching hazards, wherein the data playback would otherwise have obscured said ambient sound.
 11. The safety helmet of claim 10, wherein said sound sensor is a microphone, and further includes an on-off switch.
 12. A safety helmet and digital audio player combination for the purpose of motivating a child to wear a protective helmet during hazardous recreational activities, said combination including: an impact resistant, protective helmet shell having an outer surface including a helmet rear portion, a helmet front portion, and first and second helmet side surfaces; said safety helmet and digital audio player integrally constructed such that said helmet shell physically incorporates therein components of said player said helmet shell and player combination further including an internal liner for comfortable placement on said child's head; a strap for securing said helmet to said child's head; a speaker located at each said first and second side surface; a player controller also integrally formed within said helmet shell and adapted to control the operation of said digital audio player; a first connector port adapted for connection to a connector cable carrying compressed file data, said port located on an outer surface of said helmet shell; said digital audio player adapted to receive and store said compressed file data from said first connector port via said controller and, on demand signal, to decompress and subsequently play back said data through said speakers; whereby the child will enjoy the sound of the digital audio player while wearing said combination helmet and chip player when engaged in recreational activities.
 13. The safety helmet and digital audio player combination of claim 12 wherein said helmet shell further includes an ambient sound sensor unit; said ambient sound sensor pickup unit is adapted to be attached to the helmet outer surface at the helmet rear portion; said ambient sound sensor is communicatively connected to said digital audio player components, controller and speakers; said sound sensor adapted to operate through said controller to communicate ambient sound to said speakers along with said data playback; whereby said sound sensor pickup detects sounds in the surrounding environment and communicates said sounds to said at least one speaker, thus communicating to said user any sounds that may represent potential dangers or approaching hazards, wherein the data playback would otherwise have obscured said ambient sound.
 14. The combination safety helmet and digital audio player of claim 13 wherein said sound sensor is a microphone.
 15. The combination safety helmet and digital audio player of claim 13, further including: a rechargeable power unit located within said shell; a second port located at the outer surface of said shell and adapted to receive power through a cable interconnected to a recharging unit. 